WHEN SHOULD YOU NOT USE A REMOTE TRAINER?

Before starting any training with the active collar, if your dog has a medical condition, such as a heart problem, it is essential that you seek the advice of your veterinary surgeon.

If your dog is of a nervous disposition be sure to check the effect of the stimulation while the dog is on a secure line or in a safe area. Training should cease if there are any signs of trauma.

Do not use a remote trainer on your dog less than six months of age for any reason. Never use it on a dog younger than about ten months old for obedience training, since he must first understand completely the command that you give, before you make any attempt to correct him using the stimulus. (See section on Tone Function)

THE DUMMY FAMILIARISATION PERIOD

It is very important that your dog does not associate the correction with the collar. Otherwise you will have lost some of your advantage, since he will soon realise that when he is wearing the collar he will have to behave himself, and when he is not... he can do just what he jolly well pleases! As a result he will very likely have to wear the collar most of the time whenever he is out.

To avoid this realisation, you will need to familiarise your dog with the collar for at least 10 -14 days, before you enter the active training phase. An inexpensive dummy collar is available for this purpose.

The main aim of the dummy phase is to condition your dog to the shape, weight and feel of this strange, new collar. To ensure a good result, he should be made to wear it more or less continuously for the first two or three days... and certainly always when taken out for exercise. During the first week, fit the dummy collar loosely, so that it flops around and make its presence felt, deliberately making the dog aware that it is there. The dog then gets used to it and soon ignores it and forgets about it. Thereafter, for the next few days, each time you fit the collar, it should be progressively tightened till you can just get each of two fingers between the two probes and the dog's neck**. That should be tight enough...snug... and comfortable, with the probes positioned centrally on the front of his neck. If the dog's neck tapers, position the collar at the narrowest section (nearest his head). Most dogs will eventually associate the fitting of the collar with good fun and after several days you should have achieved this objective. A function of the weight of the collar box is to maintain the ideal position of the contact probes - at the front, centre point of the dog's neck.

Despite all the above, there have been instances where some dogs also get to associate the correction with the presence of the handset. It is our strong recommendation, therefore, that you are very discreet when handling it (the handset). Ideally it should be kept out of sight; perhaps in a top jacket-pocket. But, just in case you are unable to hide it, carry it with you during the dummy training period to enhance the effect.

PROGRESSION TO LIVE TRAINING

For a day or two before your first live training session, go through the same process with the active collar. As before, fit it snugly such that you can just get each of two fingers between the two probes and the dog's neck**. Make him wear the active collar frequently, and take him out wearing it - at least once. In this way, he will also become familiarised with the smell of this new collar. Some particularly scent sensitive dogs might well be able to smell a difference between the dummy collar and the active collar.

If your dog needs to be taken out on a lead, or to be attached to a line, he should also wear a normal collar at the same time. Never attach a line to the PAC collar, as this might damage it. If you feel you might need to use a line during training with the active collar, give him complete freedom of the line.

Do not be in too much of a hurry to introduce your dog to a live situation. Ideally you should only do this after you have firmly established an appropriate intensity setting - for your dog - and that you are getting a positive response.

** IMPORTANT

Be careful not to over tighten the collar and remember always (at least daily) to check the dog's neck for soreness before fitting it. In the event of any sign of irritation leave the collar off for a day or two, before progressing with your training programme.

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